10 Best Things to Do in Middletown, Delaware

The Inn at the Canal is located in charming Chesapeake City, Maryland, on the northern end of the Delmarva peninsula. Bordered by the Chesapeake Bay, the Delaware River and Bay, the Pokomoke Sound, and the Atlantic Ocean, this peninsula is shared by three states, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia, thus Del-Mar-Va. When you're making plans for things to see and do during your next getaway to our historic inn, consider searching options not only in Maryland, but also Delaware and Virginia. They might be closer than you think!

Take for instance Middletown, Delaware. Just 15 minutes from the Inn at the Canal, this quaint town, with its theatres, restaurants, boutiques, parks and more, is definitely worth spending some time to explore. Here are the 10 best things to check out in Middletown, Delaware.

1) The Everett Theatre
You might already recognize the legendary Everett Theatre from the movie Dead Poets Society, starring Robin Williams. The 1989 movie filmed several scenes in the theater, including the pivotal performance of “A Midsummer’s Night Dream.” The Everett Theatre opened in 1922, replacing the burned-down Middletown Opera House. Now, 100 years later, the theatre continues to offer its audiences film screenings and live theatre productions.

2) Gibby Center for the Arts
Right next door to the Everett Theatre is the Gibby Center for the Arts. Since its opening in 2006, the center has provided an outlet for local artists of all ages to express themselves through the visual arts. There are rotating art exhibits to explore and an artisan shop to purchase works from guild members and other local artists. Anyone inspired to draw, paint or create art in any medium is invited to attend Gibby’s art classes and workshops.

3) Middletown Main Street
At its very heart, Middletown Main Street works to support small businesses and preserve historical charm. Visitors and residents alike are encouraged to "think big, shop small" in this thriving downtown district, lined with terrific shops, restaurants and arts venues. Middletown's Main Street is also the site of fun seasonal events like the Middletown Christmas Parade and the Olde Tyme Peach Festival.

4) Back Creek Golf Course
You don't have to play like Tiger Woods to enjoy this beautiful golf course in a tranquil setting. Opened in 1997, Back Creek Golf Course not only provides a challenging round of 18-holes, but is also home to an incredible dining experience at The Grille at Back Creek. This rustic pub serves up some of the best burgers and crab cakes, with sweeping views of the carefully groomed golf course.                                               

5)  Dutch Country Farmers Market
Sure, you can stock up on farm-fresh produce, dairy and deli selections at the Dutch Country Farmers Market, but this Amish market offers so much more! Open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, shoppers will find a wide variety of merchants selling all sorts of things, from baked goods and handcrafted gifts to small appliances and Amish-made furniture. Refuel yourself after all that shopping with a bite to eat at Stoltzfus BBQ, a hidden gem that serves up the best slow-smoked and rotisserie meats.

6) Filasky's Produce
Open from late April through early November, Filasky's Produce is where Middletown locals go for farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, including sweet corn, tomatoes, watermelons, asparagus and squash. Filasky's offers U-pick strawberries starting in May and U-Pick pumpkins through October. Every autumn, the farm celebrates with fun fall activities, including a nighttime hayride and bonfire.  

7) Frightland
Ranked as one of the Top 10 Scariest Haunted Attractions in America by The Travel Channel, Forbes and Huffington Post, Frightland has been terrifying thrill-seekers for more than 25 years. The complex features eight petrifying attractions, including four indoor haunted houses and a 2-mile haunted hayride. Flightland is open each fall from late September through early November.

8) Charles E. Price Memorial Park
Located at Levels Road, Charles E. Price Memorial Park is a 100-acre property sitting in the heart of gorgeous farmland. You can take a stroll along the walking trails or check out the vast 8-acre pond that has a pier where you can fish. Bring along a picnic lunch to enjoy alfresco at one of the pavilions with tables and benches.

9) Augustine Beach
Augustine Beach is located along the west bank of the Delaware River, just south of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal. Centuries ago, this land was granted to Augustine Herman, whose Bohemia Manor Farm is now the site of the Chateau Bu-De Winery in Chesapeake City. One of the oldest beach resort areas in Delaware, today Augustine Beach is a popular spot for fishing, kayaking, bird watching and boating.

10) Enjoy a Delicious Meal
Foodies will revel in all of the mouthwatering restaurant choices in Middletown, from elegant to casual. Whether you're in the mood for classic American cuisine or food from around the world, you'll find plenty of tasty options here. For a nice date night experience, try the inviting 1861 Gastropub or the Augustine Inn, both historic gems. For brew pub fare, head to First State Brewing Company or Crooked Hammock Brewery. International cuisine options include Jamaican Jammin Flavors, Sushi Yama and Marlena's Mediterranean Kitchen, just to name a few.